Manoj Bajpayee, known for his remarkable roles in Indian cinema, recently shared insights into his early days in the industry and his iconic portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in the 1998 crime drama Satya. In a candid interview with Galatta India, Bajpayee revealed how he took charge of styling his character when given a modest budget of Rs 25,000.
Reflecting on his breakthrough role in Satya, Bajpayee disclosed that he personally curated the wardrobe for Bhiku Mhatre. Instead of relying on set costume assistants, as was common for newcomers at the time, he ventured into Mumbai’s bustling Hill Road market. His goal was to authentically capture the essence of his character through clothing.
Bajpayee recalled, “I was given Rs 25,000 to shop for my costumes. In those days, if you were not a big star you had to do it this way or the costume dada on set would do it for you, whatever the directors would tell them.”
With a determined spirit, Bajpayee scoured every shop on Hill Road, meticulously selecting fabrics and designs that resonated with Bhiku Mhatre’s persona. “I knew exactly what kind of clothes Bhiku Mhatre would wear,” he shared. “So I used to come to Hill Road quite often, looking for the kind of fabric and prints that would reflect him.”
From shirts to denims and vests, every piece of clothing donned by Bhiku Mhatre was handpicked by Bajpayee himself, ensuring authenticity down to the last detail.
Beyond Satya, Bajpayee emphasized his hands-on approach to styling in his early films. For him, understanding the character’s attire is crucial to fully embodying the role on screen. “When a film comes to me, I start thinking about truly building my character,” he explained. “So, what clothes they wear become extremely important for me.”
In those formative years, Bajpayee often took charge of sourcing clothes, sometimes purchasing in bulk from small shops to maintain consistency in fabric and fit across scenes.
Bajpayee’s dedication to character portrayal has evolved over time. While he initially managed his costumes independently, he now collaborates closely with costume designers who share his vision. “Now I have my costume people, the designers, and they are always on tenterhooks with me,” he chuckled.
For Bajpayee, the process goes beyond mere design; it encompasses fabric choice, fitting, and the nuanced details that differentiate one character from another.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Future Projects
Looking ahead, Manoj Bajpayee continues to enrich Indian cinema with his talent. Recently, he has been involved in diverse projects like the ZEE5 thriller Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout alongside Prachi Desai and the theatrical release Bhaiyya Ji co-starring Zoya Hussain.
As his journey unfolds, Bajpayee remains a testament to the power of passion and meticulous craftsmanship in shaping memorable on-screen characters.
Manoj Bajpayee’s story is not just about his rise to fame but also about his unwavering commitment to his craft. From navigating Hill Road’s market stalls to collaborating with seasoned designers, his journey exemplifies the transformative impact of personal dedication and creative exploration in the world of cinema.
Manoj Bajpayee’s narrative is a reminder that success often stems from a blend of talent, persistence, and a genuine connection to one’s artistry.
